What practical steps can we take to guard against deceitful influences today? Seeing the warning in Psalm 5:9 “For there is no sincerity in their mouth; their inward part is destruction; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue.” • David paints deceit as deadly: empty words, destructive motives, fatal influence, seductive flattery. • The verse assumes that God’s people can recognize and resist such danger; the rest of Scripture shows how. Locking the doors of the heart • Proverbs 4:23 — “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” • Practical picture: just as we secure our homes, we install safeguards over what we read, watch, and listen to. – Evaluate articles, podcasts, movies, and social feeds before welcoming them in. – Ask: Does this exalt Christ or erode trust in Him? Anchoring every day in God’s Word • Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Establish a non-negotiable daily reading plan (even a short psalm or gospel paragraph). • Memorize key verses on truth (John 14:6; Ephesians 6:14). • When a claim contradicts Scripture, Scripture rules; feelings follow truth, not vice-versa. Testing every voice • 1 John 4:1: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits…” • 2 Corinthians 10:5: “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Steps: – Identify the source: Is it biblically grounded? – Compare the message with explicit Scripture. – Consider the fruit: does it lead to holiness or compromise? Choosing companions wisely • Psalm 1:1; 1 Corinthians 15:33: company shapes character. • Seek friends, mentors, and teachers whose lives align with clear biblical standards. • In church life, prioritize small groups where mutual accountability and correction happen humbly. Putting on the full armor • Ephesians 6:13-17 lists six pieces; notice truth is first. Practical applications: – Belt of truth: cultivate doctrinal clarity through solid preaching, trusted commentaries, catechisms. – Shield of faith: quickly extinguish fiery lies (“God doesn’t care,” “sin has no consequences”) by recalling His promises. – Sword of the Spirit: speak Scripture aloud against temptation, as Jesus did (Matthew 4:1-11). Praying for discernment • James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God…” • Regularly ask the Lord to expose subtle lies and to heighten sensitivity to His voice over competing noises. Speaking truth in love • Ephesians 4:15: maturity grows as we “speak the truth in love.” • Guarding against deceit isn’t passive withdrawal; it’s active proclamation of the gospel in conversations, online posts, and decisions. The more truth we express, the less room lies find to settle. Staying alert until He returns • 1 Peter 5:8 reminds us to be sober-minded and watchful; deception is a recurring tactic of the enemy. • Daily vigilance, saturated in Scripture, shared with faithful believers, and sustained by prayer keeps us walking securely even when surrounded by flattering tongues and open graves. |
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